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With the message “We believe you, and we believe in you,” the VA is reaching out to survivors and their families, friends and supporters throughout Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April.
“Military sexual trauma,” or MST, is the term VA uses to refer to sexual assault or sexual harassment that occurred during military service. Healing after MST can take time; for some
survivors, the experience affects their physical and mental health, work, relationships and everyday life, even many years later. And everyone can play an important role in helping MST
survivors navigate their individual path toward healing, no matter how long it’s been since they experienced MST or how it’s affecting them now. MST affects more people than you may think.
MST survivors of all ages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations and service branches have received compassionate care through VA and local facilities like VA Connecticut Healthcare
System. There are more VA resources available for survivors of MST than ever before, including the Beyond MST app. In addition, VA Connecticut offers free counseling and treatment to
veterans and former service members for any mental or physical health condition related to their experience of MST. Because everyone is unique, VA Connecticut offers flexible treatment
options tailored to meet each MST survivor’s needs and preferences. Eligibility for MST-related care is expansive, and no documentation of the MST experience is required. Survivors do not
need to have reported the MST experience at the time it occurred, to have sought care within a certain time frame or to have applied for service connection to receive this care. To learn
about MST and how you can connect survivors with services to help them heal, visit www.MentalHealth.va.gov/SAAM, where you’ll find resources and materials you can explore and share with
others. By learning more about this topic and spreading the word, you can help MST survivors move forward on their healing journey. If you or someone you know experienced MST and is
interested in learning more, contact VA Connecticut and ask to speak with the MST Coordinator Jason DeViva Ph.D., a professional who specializes in connecting survivors with the care and
services that are right for them. Dr. DeViva can be reached at 203-932-5711 ext. 12722.
